Redknapp 'struggling to keep peace' between QPR factions

Players 'had to be kept apart' when tempers flared after 4-2 Cup defeat to MK Dons

HARRY REDKNAPP is struggling to keep the peace in the QPR dressing room, according to a report in the Daily Mail. A "massive division" has apparently developed within the squad, and matters reached a head on Saturday after Rangers crashed out of the FA Cup following a 4-2 home defeat to lowly MK Dons.

It's alleged that Rangers players had to be kept apart as tempers boiled over following the humiliating result, with one eye-witness describing the scenes as "unbelievable".

The Mail says rival factions within the dressing room were "trading insults and threatening to come to blows" during a post-match inquest into their Cup exit. Although the paper mentions no names it claims the divide is between the Rangers old guard and some more recent high-profile signings. The former are allegedly questioning the "application and desire" of some of their new team-mates.

Redknapp called his side a "disgrace" after their defeat by MK Dons and vowed to strengthen the squad with some new signings before the transfer window closes on Thursday night. But that's not proving easy as the global recession turns agents ever more ruthless in the pursuit of the golden pay day.

"This transfer window, I've never seen anything like it," Redknapp said. "Every agent seems to be trying to screw each other."

Likening the situation to "gang warfare", Redknapp added: "If you've got a deal for a player, another agent will try to scupper that. It's unbelievable. They're fighting for big money, that's the problem. If someone can see themselves muscling in on a deal... it's a bit like the ice-cream sellers in Glasgow. Someone has nicked their pitch. Someone's going to shoot them or something!"

Redknapp also urged QPR owner Tony Fernandes to remain involved with the club despite the abuse directed his way by irate Rangers fans on social networking sites. "It would be a big blow for this club if Tony left," said Redknapp, whose side host Manchester City tonight in the Premier League.

"He's trying harder than anyone to put right what's gone wrong. His heart is in the right place and he loves the club. The fans are fortunate to have a chairman like him."

Redknapp had one other word of advice for his boss, who on Monday hit back at the fans abusing him on Twitter. "If you don't want to know what people think about you, don't buy a newspaper," said Redknapp. "If you don't want to know what people think about you on Twitter, don't be on Twitter."